Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, September 20, 1994 TAG: 9409220034
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By SCOTT BLANCHARD STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Tech coach Frank Beamer said Monday that DeShazo ``rolled his ankle'' on the same play he injured his thigh and is questionable for Thursday night's game with West Virginia. On the Big East Football Conference teleconference Monday, Beamer said DeShazo didn't practice Sunday or Monday and probably won't practice today.
Asked if Tech wanted DeShazo to practice at least once in order to play, Beamer said: ``We very much want him to practice [today]. We're going to see how the situation develops and see if we need to talk about [playing him with no practice] before we do talk about it.''
No.2 quarterback Jim Druckenmiller would start in DeShazo's place, although during preseason, offensive coordinator Gary Tranquill didn't rule out using impressive freshman Al Clark if needed. Druckenmiller completed 10 of 18 passes for 134 yards, two touchdowns and an interception last year; most of that (7 for 9, 105 yards, one touchdown) came against Boston College. This season, the redshirt sophomore has completed three of five passes for eight yards.
``When [Druckenmiller's] been put in important situations, he's always done well,'' Beamer said. ``Jim practices better when there's pressure on the situation.''
Beamer also said place-kicker Ryan Williams, who separated his shoulder during the Southern Mississippi game Sept.10, will be available Thursday. Beamer did not say whether Williams or Atle Larsen, who has a groin pull, would be the No.1 kicker against WVU.
After students picked up about 17,000 of the 20,000 tickets being held for them last Thursday and Friday, approximately 4,000 tickets remain for the WVU game, which will kick off at 7:55 p.m. Tickets may be purchased by calling Tech's ticket office at 1-800-VATECH4.
by CNB